Tragic fire involving six shophouses claims life of 12-year-old with disabilities in Malaysia

MALAYSIA: In a heartbreaking incident of a fire that consumed six shop units in Kota Sentosa, Sarawak, Malaysia, a 12-year-old boy with disabilities tragically lost his life on 9 January.

According to information from the local news outlet Borneo Post, the victim, who suffered from mental illness and had limited mobility, was the only person unable to escape the building.

Hendri Ardimansyah, the assistant director of Bomba Sarawak Operations Division, revealed that among the six shop units affected by the fire, four sustained the most significant damage.

The victim was discovered in the living room of one of the shophouses.

Hendri explained that the fire originated in the middle of the building and subsequently spread to other units.

However, a comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine the cause of the fire and estimate the losses incurred.

Emergency personnel from the Batu Lintang, Tabuan Jaya, and Kota Samarahan fire stations swiftly responded to the incident after receiving notification at 3.30 pm, and by 3.56 pm, the fire was successfully brought under control.

Fire and Rescue Department at the scene (Photo via Trisha Celine)

Witnesses at the scene, as reported by Borneo Post, described hearing mini explosions and the cries for help from children.

A bystander at one of the shophouses attempted to quell the flames with a water hose, but the ferocity of the fire proved insurmountable.